Young and Dyslexic by Benjamin Zephaniah - Edexcel iGCSE English Language Anthology

Lesson Summary: Young and Dyslexic

This lesson explores Benjamin Zephaniah’s article Young and Dyslexic? You’ve Got It Going On, where he reflects on his experiences growing up with dyslexia and how he transformed this challenge into a strength. The lesson guides students through an analysis of how Zephaniah uses language to connect with his audience and convey his message of resilience and empowerment for dyslexic individuals.

Lesson Objectives:

• Understand Zephaniah’s perspective on dyslexia and how he uses his experience to inspire others.
• Analyse the use of language, tone, and anecdotes to connect with the reader and convey a positive message.
• Reflect on the broader implications of the education system and societal views on learning differences.

Activities:

• Group discussions on personal challenges in learning and the perceptions of dyslexia.
• Guided reading to identify and interpret key literary techniques, such as metaphor, tone, and anecdote.
• A creative task where students design a poster summarising Zephaniah’s message, aiming to challenge the stigma around dyslexia.

Skills Developed:

• Analytical reading and interpretation, focusing on non-fiction texts and the author’s use of language and structure.
• Empathy and understanding through the exploration of learning difficulties and the importance of resilience.
• Creative expression through visual and written tasks that engage students with the material.